Junk Journals for Beginners: Everything you need to know about this cozy hobby

Junk journaling intrigued me from the moment I heard about it on TikTok. It sounded like something the Olsen twins would do and, as a child of the 90s, I will always let go and let Mary-Kate and Ashley. Once I realized it combined one of my favorite hobbies (journaling) with a hobby I’d always wanted to try (scrapbooking), I was on board. Junk journaling is one of the coziest hobbies I’ve encountered on my journey to creating a cozy, slow life, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about junk journals for beginners.

What is a junk journal?

A junk journal is a book filled with scraps from your day-to-day life.

Junk journal spreads repurpose items that would otherwise be thrown away (considered “junk”). Instead of tossing them, you create a collage of memories and inspiration.

What do you put in a junk journal?

Here are some of the items you might find in a junk journal:

Receipts
Ticket stubs
Napkins
Coasters
Pieces of wrappers or packaging
Tags
Cut-outs from ads or magazines
Used wrapping paper
Scraps of ribbons, twine, or thread
Old greeting cards
Post-it notes

By junk journaling, you’re essentially recycling!

If you’re just starting to junk journal, one of the best things you can do is keep a reusable pouch in your bag to store materials as you go about your day.

What makes junk journaling a cozy hobby?

A cozy hobby doesn’t just relax you. It brings you comfort.

Junk journaling is a way to document your days and capture memories. It allows you to reflect on the positive aspects of your life.

But it’s also a way to romanticize your life. Something that might have felt mundane (like a trip to your favorite coffee shop) has the potential to be a beautiful spread.

We gain an appreciation for our daily routines when we see our lives through a romanticized lens.

Engaging in cozy hobbies like junk journaling has also helped me avoid falling into old habits that don’t serve me, like overspending and overworking (which can lead to burnout).

Junk journals for beginners: What exactly do you need

Notebook

Invest in a well-constructed notebook like a Moleskine to hold your spreads.

Washi Tape

Use washi tape is used to adhere scraps to your notebook’s pages, as well as add pops of color and patterns to your spreads.

Glue Stick

A good, old-fashioned glue stick is critical for putting together your spreads. This purple-colored glue stick starts purple but dries clear, making it easier to glue down all the edges.

Markers

Watercolor-style markers give you a ton of flexibility. Use them to doodle, bring attention to certain elements by drawing frames, or write on your spreads.

Pens

Good pens make a big difference. Crisp writing makes a spread look so put together. My personal favorite is the Pilot G2.

Cardstock

Buy small packs of cardstock to enhance your spreads. Use it as a base layer, to fill in empty space, to create specific shapes, etc.

Stickers

Like cardstock, stickers can add to your spreads. They are not a must-have, but they are nice to have! This sticker book by Nathalie Lete is one of my personal favorites. It’s filled with whimsical stickers and, once you use the stickers, the pages can be cut out and upcycled.